Queer Birding on the Rail Trail - Western Massachusetts
April 27, 2025 — 9:00 am - 11:00 am ET
Last day to register: April 24, 2025
The warblers are coming! Join Sam and your fellow queer birders as we search for migrating songbirds along a rail trail in Amherst, MA. The trail goes through swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats in just a short distance, with many vantage points that promise great views of diverse species. In addition to early warblers, we can expect to see tree swallows, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and more.
All experience levels are welcome on this beginner-friendly outing. Bring your curiosity, and we will learn from each other! Binoculars are recommended, but feel free to bring whatever equipment you find most comfortable when searching for tiny songbirds in the woods and wetlands. We will have 9 extra pairs of binoculars to share.
Accessibility: This walk is on a wide (8-10 ft), wheelchair-accessible, asphalt rail trail that is popular among cyclists, birders, and runners. This section is completely flat. We will plan on walking approximately 1 mile round trip (out and back). We will move slowly as a group, stopping frequently to observe the birds around us. There are picnic tables at the trailhead, but otherwise few designated places to sit. The large parking lot has two van-accessible parking spaces at the trailhead as well as a wheelchair-accessible portapotty. The trailhead is 1.4 miles from the closest PVTA bus stop and is directly on the bike path. More detailed information on our meeting location will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Amherst area, MA (Nipmuc, Pocumtuc and Nonotuck land)
Parking: Large paved parking lot by the trailhead, with space for ~15 cars as well as 2 van-accessible parking spots. Wheelchair-accessible portapotty at the trailhead.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends (who are not service animals) remain home on this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: April 27, 2025
Hike: 1 mile, 7 ft elevation gain
Cost: $0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, light jacket, rain layer, sun protection, binoculars if you have them
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.
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Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
